3.4 Lane Driving, Lane Changes & Passing Rules
Key Takeaways
Keep your vehicle to the right of the center of the road unless you are passing, a sign or signal allows otherwise, or something in the way forces you to move.
Return to your lane after passing only when you can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror.
You may pass on the right only when the other vehicle is turning left, or on an unobstructed road or one-way road with two or more lanes in your direction.
Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing, or within 100 feet of a bridge, elevated road or tunnel when your view is obstructed.
When another vehicle is passing you, yield and do not increase your speed.
Lane Driving
The manual's lane rules are short but heavily tested:
- Drive in a single lane. Do not switch lanes until you determine it is safe.
- Do not drift across lane lines, and do not change lanes in an intersection.
- Keep your vehicle to the right of the center of the road, unless:
- You are passing another vehicle going the same way,
- A traffic sign or signal says it is okay, or
- Something in the way makes it necessary to change position safely.
- Where you see "stay right" signs, drive in the right-hand lane or lanes unless you are passing.
- On interstates and other limited-access highways, if you are driving slower than traffic, use the right lane whenever possible.
Changing Lanes Safely
- Check your mirrors for traffic behind and beside you.
- Signal early so others know your plan.
- Look over your shoulder to check your blind spot; motorcycles and bicycles hide there easily.
- Move smoothly without slowing, and cancel your signal.
Unsafe lane changes are one of the offenses that can count toward aggressive driving (see Section 5.4).
How to Pass
When passing is allowed, the manual says you must:
- Estimate the time and space needed and be sure you can pass without getting in anyone's way.
- Use your turn signal before passing.
- Leave plenty of space and go around the other vehicle at a safe distance.
- See both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror before returning to your lane.
Maryland law adds that when you pass using a lane meant for oncoming traffic, you must return to your lane before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle. Passing does not let you exceed the speed limit.
Passing on the Right
Generally you pass on the left. The manual allows passing on the right only if it is safe, you stay on the road, and:
- The other vehicle is about to make a left turn, or
- You are on an unobstructed road with two or more lanes moving in your direction (no median strips, signs or other things in the way), or
- You are on an unobstructed one-way road with two or more lanes.
The manual says never to pass on the shoulder, to the right or to the left. (State law allows one narrow exception: staying on the paved surface to pass a vehicle that is turning left.) Passing improperly on the right also counts toward an aggressive-driving charge.
When You Are Being Passed
Yield to the passing vehicle and do not increase your speed. Easing off slightly helps the passing driver get back in sooner.
Where Passing Is Prohibited
You may not pass:
- In a no-passing zone.
- Where the solid yellow line in the middle of the road is on your side.
- Where there are double solid yellow lines.
- When passing would interfere with the safe operation of other vehicles.
- When approaching the top of a hill or a curve where you cannot clearly see ahead.
- When your view is obstructed within 100 feet of a bridge, elevated road or tunnel.
- When crossing, or within 100 feet of, an intersection or railroad grade crossing.
- On the shoulder of the road, to the right or left.
Also never pass a school bus that has stopped with flashing red lights (see Section 6.4), or a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian (see Section 6.1).
Passing Special Road Users
- Large trucks: pass quickly on the left, and pull back in only when you can see both of the truck's headlights in your mirror (see Section 6.3).
- Motorcycles: never share a lane; leave plenty of space when passing, because wind gusts can affect a motorcycle.
- Bicycles: leave at least 3 feet. Maryland law lets you cross into a no-passing zone just enough to pass a bicycle safely while yielding to the cyclist and oncoming traffic.
- Slow-moving vehicles: pass only when it is safe and legal; if you must follow one, you may use your flashers to warn drivers behind you.
Scenario Practice
- Two-lane road, broken yellow line on your side, a hill crest 150 feet ahead. Do not pass. You cannot see oncoming traffic beyond the crest.
- Four-lane road with two lanes your way; the car ahead in the left lane is signaling a left turn. You may pass on the right if it is safe and you stay on the pavement.
- Approaching a railroad crossing 80 feet ahead. Do not pass; you are within 100 feet.
In which situation does the Maryland Driver's Manual allow you to pass another vehicle on the right?
When the vehicle ahead is going under the speed limit on a two-lane road
When you can use the paved shoulder to get around
When the vehicle ahead is about to make a left turn and you can pass safely on the road
Whenever traffic is heavy and you signal first
When may you return to your lane after passing a vehicle?
When both of its headlights show in your rear-view mirror
As soon as your rear bumper clears the front bumper of the vehicle you passed
When the other driver flashes the headlights
After counting two seconds
Another vehicle begins passing you on a two-lane road. What does Maryland require you to do?
Speed up so the pass is completed faster
Move onto the left shoulder
Flash your high beams to warn the passing driver
Yield and do not increase your speed
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.